And free is good, right? Given the choice between trying out a five-horsepower increase versus a pound-foot improvement, wouldn't you rather go for the T6? If you'd be so kind as to whitelist our site, we promise to keep bringing you great content. When getting into any Volvo, it takes a little time to learn which buttons to push to achieve what you want-displaying different info for the stereo system, etc.

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The XC60 has only been on the market for about a year and a half, yet in that time it has become Volvo 's best-selling XC.

That's not too surprising, considering the small luxury crossover's good looks inside and out, loads of safety features, and excellent power. But for those who crave more thrills from their premium crossovers, Volvo offers a new option: The XC60 R-Design is now available with the 3. This brings the number of XC60 R-Design engine options to two. The R-Design is Volvo's high-performance trim level, and in the case of the XC60, that means a stiffer chassis, firmer suspension tuning, retuned steering, and unique styling cues.

Given the choice between trying out a five-horsepower increase versus a pound-foot improvement, wouldn't you rather go for the T6? Both benefit from the same chassis and suspension tweaks, but the turbo six now has an output of horsepower and pound-feet of torque, increases of 19 and 30, respectively.

Both engine changes were midyear updates. And the differences are impressive. The crossover quickly gets up to speed, and throttle response is quick-the XC60 is fast, yet power delivery was smoother than expected from this turbo engine. The transmission is wonderfully smooth, whether in Drive or Manual mode.

On surfaces that aren't well-maintained, you can feel more bumps and road irregularities, but all is forgiven once you get on a twisty mountain road.

The 60 feels strong and confident when cornering, and the new chassis tuning makes this the most fun model in the XC line. Even though Volvo estimates the R-Design will hit 60 in 6.

The R-Design's interior is downright beautiful. The cabin combines black and ivory, with black leather seats flanking ivory leather centers, and the doors were ivory with black inserts. The cabin is a terrific example of typical clean Swedish beauty, but it does have some of the traditional confusing buttons on the center stack. When getting into any Volvo, it takes a little time to learn which buttons to push to achieve what you want-displaying different info for the stereo system, etc.

The 60 has a notable advantage over its XC kin in the cabin as well: Its navigation system is much easier to use than the one in the XC70 and XC It helps that this is a newer model, so it wasn't saddled with the controls hidden on the back of the right side of the steering wheel in the 70 and You have to know they're there, and even if you do, they're pretty hard to use.

They're integrated into the center stack and are much less likely to provoke any profanity. This model may have sacrificed a little-just a little-of its all-season capability in the name of on-road performance, but it is a compromise that's worth it. And it'll get even better, too. We hear that when the S60 gets an R-Design model, its turbo six will have horsepower, and the XC60 is expected to benefit as well. Ford Made a New Mustang Bullitt. Behind the Wheel of the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.